The Village of Alix’ taxpayers may be on the hook to pay over $40,000 for a railway traffic crossing upgrade. The resolution to pay the non-budgeted amount was passed at the Dec. 4 regular meeting of council.
Councillors read a report from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michelle White noting CP Rail was improving a railway crossing on the village’s east side and that the municipality would have to kick in over $40,000 as its share, with no choice and little notice in the matter.
“There is a longstanding agreement in place between the village and CP Rail regarding maintenance and improvements to railway crossings within the village’s corporate boundaries,” stated White’s memo to council.
“This agreement states that the Village of Alix is responsible for 50 per cent of the costs to improvements done and regular maintenance, including monthly rail crossing flasher light inspections.
“Alberta Transportation has identified this crossing as not compliant with regulations because light units need to cover all road approaches. They have determined ‘light units required for northeast vehicular traffic turning onto 47 Ave.’
“And propose to install a taller light mast and install another set of flashing lights that are angled toward the truck route.”
According to information presented at the council meeting, CP Rail estimates the project costs at $84.071, with the village portion totalling $42,035.50.
The CAO stated due to the agreement the village only has one option to avoid paying the over $40,000 bill.
“The only option other than paying half the cost of this project would be to close this railway crossing,” stated the CAO’s memo, which must not have been an attractive option as it was never discussed by councillors during their debate.
The CAO also pointed out the village hadn’t been forewarned about this project so no money had been budgeted for this expense.
White suggested the village look at the Canadian Community Building Fund grant, which is also known as the gas tax grant.
During discussion Mayor Tim Besuijen asked for clarification: was CP Rail proposing a streetlight on Pacific Ave.?
White explained she called CP Rail directly, as the village would have fought against this project if it was simply to put up a streetlight. However, CP Rail stated they want the east crossing to be lit like the west crossing near the Alix arena.
Coun. Ed Cole asked what would happen if the councillors simply turned down the project.
The CAO stated CP Rail, in their letter, pointed out the authorities that are requiring the project, including Alberta Transportation’s appraisal of the crossing in question.
Councillors spent some time debating whether the provincial authority applies to a railway crossing, which is usually under federal law.
“I don’t think they can do that,” said Coun. Rob Fehr.
Cole wondered if the crossing project was related to “…a liability thing.”
Cole stated several times during the discussion the village’s hands are tied and the council had no choice but to approve the project.
The CAO noted that any hope the village might have of planning a year or two into the future for this expense was dashed when CP Rail confirmed to her that the project will go ahead in 2025.
Councillors unanimously approved amending their multi-year capital budget to include $42,000 for CP Rail crossing upgrades in 2025 and that staff should apply for grants to cover the cost.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
